Working as a freelancer, having the ability to report on the same story or sequence of events across different platforms is essential. As someone who travels frequently in the developing world, the ability to modify the size and capabilities of my gear to match the environment in which I find myself working is important.
If I am conducting an interview in a well-secured space, I have the tools necessary to deliver perfect audio and video footage. If I am working in less stable environments, I can pare down the unit and still deliver results without drawing attention to either myself or those with whom I work.
Here’s my basic gear list. It all fits in one medium-sized camera backpack and can be matched to the environment in which I find myself:
– Nikon d7000 16.2 megapixel camera with 1080p HD capabilities
– Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 wide angle zoom lense
– Nikkor 70-200mm zoom lense
– Nikkor 18-105mm low profile lense
– Beachtek Dxa 5Da preamplifier unit
– Rode Videomic Pro
– Sony ECMMS907 microphone
– Marantz pmd620 field recorder
– Edelkrone Pocket Rig portable shoulder stabilizer
– Beachtek Peaklite portable lighting unit
– Manfrotto 190XB tripod
– Hondo Garage follow focus unit
– 7-inch portable video monitor
– 3x optical view finder
– Adobe Creative Suite 6- Photoshop, Soundbooth and Premiere Pro
Each component of this kit has been chosen to consider portability, a low profile, image and footage quality and maintaining a productive work-flow.
